Chargers re-sign defensive coordinator John Pagano

Posted by Michael David Smith on January 14, 2014, 3:04 PM EDT

AP

After the Titans hired away San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt to become their next head coach, there was some talk that Tennessee might be able to lure Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano away as well. But that won’t happen.

Pagano has re-signed with the Chargers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Pagano’s contract was up, and he could have left if he wanted to, perhaps to be Whisenhunt’s defensive coordinator with the Titans. Instead, Pagano will return to San Diego in 2014.

The 46-year-old Pagano, younger brother of Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, has been with the Chargers for 12 seasons, the last two as defensive coordinator. San Diego’s defense struggled early in 2013 but came on strong late as the Chargers became a surprise playoff team. Pagano’s defense played particularly well against Peyton Manning and the Broncos: Of the Broncos’ 17 games in 2013-14, the only three in which they fell short of 400 total yards were the three against the Chargers.

Today’s news assures the Chargers that Pagano’s defense will get two more shots at the Broncos in 2014.